My Top 5 Favorite Games of All-Time

Playing video games since I was 4, I've had lots of time to get used to the video game world. New genres being created and developed, as well as new franchises creating unique ideas, has really given the industry variety for players to enjoy. But during my 17 years as a gamer, I've been thinking of what my favorite gaming experiences have been since I've started playing. I believe I have it narrowed down to 5 games I have always been returning to at some point to enjoy the awesome experience once again and remind myself why I'm still a gamer.

I have to mention, however...I will only do one game in a single franchise. If I did a top 5 list of EVERY SINGLE game, there might only be two franchises that are on the list. Now that I got that out of the way, let's start at number 5:

5. Sonic 3 & Knuckles

Sega Genesis (1994)

This game probably has consumed more of my time than any other 2D platformer I've played. I was challenged and enjoyed that challenge, as I easily got addicted to the speedy hedgehog quickly after beating the first boss. It's Sonic going after Dr. Eggman (I still prefer Robotnik) and the introduction of Knuckles. Simple as that and a very fun game. I feel combining Sonic the Hedgehog 3 with Sonic & Knuckles was the ideal way to play it, as you could save your progress as you played through all 12 worlds of this great platformer. The bosses after every level was something I really enjoyed, and the special stages were all tough but satisfying to complete. In my opinion, this game had Sonic at the peak of his lifetime, using speed in interesting worlds that challenged how well he could use it.

4. Mass Effect

Xbox 360 (2007)

The last game may not have ended on a high note (although I haven't played it myself yet), but that doesn't take anything away from the first two. An RPG really feels different when you can control the way people see your character instead of just predetermined direction with dialogue you can alter. Mass Effect takes the idea on a grander scale and really gives the feeling that YOU are in control of the fate of Commander Shepard. Although more third-person shooter than RPG, both elements shine brightly with deep combat and an interesting story to uncover. The game really makes one feel the consequences of their decisions and inspire them to empathize with the characters, making the storytelling more interesting and worthwhile than talking at you or reading text the entire time.

3. Super Metroid

Super Nintendo (1994)

This game makes me wish I grew up with a Super Nintendo but still glad I got to play this awesome game. With virtually no guidance as you make your way through Zebes, Samus' mission to rescue the baby Metroid couldn't be much more exciting. Samus' arsenal really expands in this game and gives her the resources to confront Ridley and find items throughout her mission. The boss fights are incredible with a slight challenge the first time you encounter them. You could even say story shines despite very little of it, where action leads the entire way in this amazing 2D action adventure game. This is Nintendo's hardcore at its finest and really shows how badass this woman can be.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Nintendo Wii (2011)

While I was more interested in the story in Ocarina of Time, Skyward Sword's gameplay completely got me to realize how much deeper the combat could be. The 1:1 precision for swordplay really works well and enhances how much strategy is used in tasks as simple as fighting enemies. Storytelling is still very well done and it's a good thing considering it's the origin story for the entire series. It's debatable that Skyward Sword is the best game in the franchise, along with the best boss battles in the series and maybe all of video games so far. I don't care if people are hating on motion controls, but if they can use them properly like in Skyward Sword, it can really prove how useful they could be.

1. Super Mario 64

Nintendo 64 (1996)

And my number 1 game...of course it's Mario. This is the game that has made me the gamer I am today. I remember playing the game for 12 straight hours on weekends...and I was only 5 years old! I couldn't let go because the world was so fun to be in and the game had so much to be discovered. I'm still proud of this being the first game I ever beat up to 100%. Finding all 120 Power Stars took my brothers and I months to figure out. Plus, the game was very innovative at its time, creating a template for other 3D games to follow. Super Mario 64 got me instantly hooked to video games and I haven't regretted it since. Please, if you haven't played a 3D platformer before, give this game a shot. Although maybe not as polished as games today, it still is as fun as almost anything else available. Plus, the fights with Bowser are, in my opinion, the best fights in Mario's history. Secrets, power-ups, and lots of fun await you!

Now I want to hear from you guys. What are your favorite 5 games of all-time? Or #1 favorite? Or top 10? Speak your mind, as I look forward to what all of you have to say. If you want to know my favorite game in a particular genre, you may ask me that too.